Basketball

Basketball puts tremendous pressure on your foot and ankle. Acute injury from sudden and forceful blows, or chronic injury, which develops slowly and becomes aggravated over an extended period of time, are the common casualties from playing this sport.

The most common acute injuries include ankle sprains, torn ligaments, muscle pulls, tendon ruptures, and fractures. Chronic injuries, often the result of over-use, often develop from inadequate warm-up, poor conditioning, improper and ill-fitting shoes, worn-out shoes, or a deformity that causes undue stress on the foot and ankle. Common chronic injuries sustained in basketball include stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, achilles heel, tendinitis, patellartendinitis, sesamoiditis, and blisters.

Indoor wood courts are usually best on your feet because they offer the most shock absorption. Asphalt or concrete courts are the hardest and most dangerous courts for your feet.

Post-game care

Acute injuries require immediate medical attention. After a bad fall or painful twist, get off the court immediately and seek first aid. The best initial treatment for acute injury is ice, rest, compression, and elevating the affected foot.

If you have a chronic injury, reduce your activity level. If the pain gets worse, you should leave the game and apply ice and a compression bandage, as well as elevate your foot. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can be taken at proper dosage for temporary pain relief. Consult your physician before taking any medications.

If the pain does not decrease within the next few days, you should contact our office.

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